My wife and I went to a baseball game in Kannapolis the other day. There’s nothing like a ballgame. You see the groomed infield, the manicured outfield, the fairground atmosphere of the vendors, the people milling about, the openness of it all. And, of course, thoughts of the game itself.

We found our seats, watched the teams loosen up and the final meeting of the umpires and coaches discussing the team lineups. Shortly thereafter, we were told to rise for the playing of our national anthem.

Everyone rose, removed their hats and placed their hands over their hearts. All but one. A few rows in front of us stood a veteran with his military hat remaining on his head and saluting the entire time the anthem was being played. It was a solemn and moving moment.

Unfortunately, it got me thinking about the various anthem protests that have occurred. This saddens me. The people at the ballgame were standing and saluting because of what America stands for  and the sacrifices made to preserve it. Being at a ballgame is a thank-you as well as a three-hour escape from all the nonsense going on around us. The last thing we need to kill the mood is to have a bunch of young, naïve, overpaid people bombarding us with shallow, symbolic gestures that won’t solve anything.

You athletes have plenty of time other than game day to express your views. You even have the luxury of celebrity and money to help you.

In the meantime, let us have our three-hour escape. After all, there’s nothing like a ball game.

— Allan Gilmour

Salisbury